Note: All non-trailer loads - bike racks, cargo carriers and so forth - should be supported with stabilizing straps. Failure to properly support these loads will void your hitch warranty from Curt.

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11276 Curt Class 1 Trailer Hitch Receiver

Video of Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer
installation instructions and specs for complete information.

Today on this 2014 Toyota Prius V, we're going to install part number C11276 from Curt. This is the Curt class 1 1 1/4 receive hitch. This is wht the hitch looks like once installed on the Prius. Next we'll go ahead and give you some measurements to help you out in selecting some accessories, such as a bicycle rack or a cargo carrier. From top of the receiver opening down to the ground will be about 12 inches. From center hitch pinhole to the outside edge of the bumper is about 4 3/8 inches. Now we'll go ahead and show you how the hitch is installed. First thing we need to do is get our vehicle ready to install the hitch.

And this case, it means to lower the exhaust. We'll go ahead and remove these 2 bolts here and here, lower out weight 00:00:45, because our hitch will use these 2 threaded holes in the frame. We'll use a 70 mm socket to remove the bolts. We'll go ahead and manipulate the exhaust, to make sure we got plenty of room. We'll go ahead and leave it alone for now. Next we'll go over to the driver's side and remove the tie-down bracket.

At this rate, our vehicle's all ready to install our hitch. We'll go ahead and cur 00:01:19 the hardware to install the hitch. This is a kind of tooth-washer; you can see your teeth on the washer. That will go through the bolt. You want to make sure the teeth on the washer always stays towards the hitch. It's hardware combination will stay on both sides of the hitch. It's also a good idea to go ahead and burn these bolts in, even though we just took some old bolts out, just to make sure and get a feel for the bolts as I thread back in. Sometimes you may ...

because the car gets older . you may have some dirt in your bray 00:01:46 caught up in there, and you may have to clean up the threads. With an extra set of hands, we'll go ahead and put up our hitch. Remember we'll go ahead and set it over the exhaust bracket. We'll put our bolt through the exhaust bracket, and then the hitch, and then thread it to the inaudible 00:02:07 nut. We'll get one bolt on each side to get things started.

One bolt on each side; we'll just go ahead and put it in the remaining hardware. That's a little bit tight area up here, so maybe it's a good idea to use a 19 mm socket, and extension to push the bolt up into place. Also, since everything is loose, we'll go ahead and remove the exhaust out of the way, so we'll get a straight shot. The extension with a little bit of wobble helps a little bit too. Just before inaudible 00:02:48 loose install, we can go ahead and tighten it down, and then torque 00:02:52 the bolts down, as best guided in the instructions. One other note: some of these models do come with a classic route 00:02:58 underneath of it. This one did not have that in place. Everything applies the same, and the hitch will fit to the shroud 00:03:06 where it goes up to the frame. For all the bolts, torque down as best by the instructions. That will finish it for our install of part number C11276 on our 2014 Toyota Prius V. .

I installed it in 15 minutes with good video and instructions that are provided. Mounting tabs lined up perfectly to OEM holes using their upgraded bolts and washers.
Received it in 3 days after they sent me shipping confirmation and tracking number.
They should tape foam on the mounting tabs to prevent damage and puncturing through the box.
I like how it tucks up and hardly noticeable.
147159

I could not have received a better product or customer support!
Not only did Mark suggest a better product than the one I had selected from the (excellent) on-line product listings, but my request to expedite shipping resulted in the trailer hitch arriving a day earlier than promised.
The installation instructions were very detailed (included color photos, parts list, torque wrench values, etc.) and the on-line movie was equally excellent.
It took me abit longer than I expected (~ 1 hour) to install, but this was my fault for not having all of the right tools laid out and available. The final installed hitch (from Curt) fits like a glove and really looks like OEM.
Frankly, the newer design (for my 2014 vehicle) appears to be even stronger ("beefier:) than the hitch (another Curt) which I bought for my same model but earlier 2006 vehicle.
Congratulations eTrailer, I will definitely be back for my future trailer hitch requirements.
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- C11276

by: Bob G.05/14/2013

Great product at a reasonable price. Great service, quick delivery.
Installation was more difficult than I was led to believe. The hitch is heavy and required two people. It is difficult to hold in position while trying to start the bolts. The instructions estimated the installation time of 15 minutes. It took me 3 hours.
80180

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Comments

One of the better online purchases I have made. Great quality, very reasonable price and free shipping. I am very happy with the hitch.

Amy N - 08/25/2014

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by: Raul Aparicio07/07/2014

I ordered the trailer hitch for my 2013 Toyota Prius. As soon as I received it, I decided to install it. I needed a hitch to hook my 3x4 feet aluminum trailer for my mountain bikes. I was disappointed right away because the bolts from the hitch did not match with those of the car. So I contacted customer service for help. Ricky advise me to flex the ends of the trailer hitch because they could have been bent during shipment. I followed his advice and I installed it in 30 minutes.
I am very satisfied with the product and I am very impressed with the customer service provided by e-trailer. I did not waste my money on this product. My wife is very excited since now we can use the trailer to transport our bikes.
Thank you
Raul Aparicio
139871

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- C11276

by: Fred02/25/2015

For a 2010 Prius
Very well crafted. It is a bit heavier than the other Hitch Receivers on the site, but looks way better. Everything was packaged nicely and came as promised.
Install wasn't bad either. I'm slender and fit underneath the car without car ramps and jacks. Just cut out a side of cardboard from the provided box and slide under. At around 45 lb. it's a bit tricky to hold up on your own. So a few house items to prop it up fixed that. 30min install time. MAKE SURE you have 17mm & 19mm DEEP Sockets and 6" extender.
176047

Recieved our new Curt hitch two days after placing the order. I was able to mount the hitch on our 2012 Prius III without jacking it up, or putting it on a set of ramps with no problem. I had it installed in about 20 minutes. The quality of this Curt hitch is top notch. For those that wonder if mounting a hitch on their prius will degrade mpg, even with nothing attached to it, we just got done with a 350 mile highway trip, and still got 51 mpg. I plan on using it to haul our bikes, on our Swagman XTC 2, also purchased from Etrailer. Great product! VERY happy with this purchase! Thanks E-trailer!
39460

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- C11276

by: James F02/18/2015

I have yet to put this on my vehicle due to the current cold in the upper Mid-west. That being said, the unit looks like it will do exactly what I want it to do AND I must say I have had exceptional help and service from etrailer.com. My brother suggested the site. With the installation videos, expert advise with fast response and speedy delivery, what more could you ask for. I have said to several friends, this site is THE BEST site of its type without exception! I could not ask for more. George J and Michael H were a big help for me in making this purchase. Thanks.
175261

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- C11276

by: Jamie B08/21/2014

The hitch worked out wonderfully. Fit very well and easy to
install. Your estimate of 30 minutes is about right. I believe it took me only about 20 to 25 minutes to install. Now my wife can take her bike anywhere she would like. Delivery was very prompt. Thank you again for supplying me this product!
147864

Purchased this hitch for our 2013 Prius V. Four bolt install is fairly simple but I found separating the muffler/exhaust from the rubber hanger easier than trying to work with it connected. A little dish soap and it was off in seconds and after the hitch and bracket were secure a little soap on the metal hanger and it pushed through without a problem. Once on this hitch is pretty much invisible. We'll be using it with the Swagman two bike rack on an extended road trip.
213448

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- C11276

by: Randy M.01/22/2013

The hitch fit perfectly and looks great. Installation did require a bit more time than predicted, but most of that additional time involved finding the right tools and positioning the hitch ( it was a one man operation and I used jack stands to hold the hitch in place ).
63802

Installation was easy! In my case, only one specialized tool was needed; an 12 year old holding a flashlight. Installation on a 2013 Prius Plug-In was pretty straightforward. A little tricky getting the bolts installed that were directly above the muffler/tail pipe. Fortunately the mounting bracket allows the muffler/tailpipe to be pushed far enough out of the way to complete installation.
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- C11276

by: Rob05/02/2015

The receiver arrived when they said it would. It was well packaged so there were no scratches, etc. The installation was as simple as the video instructions said it would be. I didn't have to remove the grommet from the exhaust pipe. Just removed the existing bolts to the exhaust bracket, slid the receiver bracket under it, then installed and tightened the new bolts.
189483

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- C11276

by: Fox C.05/21/2014

I installathe Hitch Receiver two day ago on my 2014 Prius. It is solidly welded steel that fastens to the frame. I would say the installation was straightforward and the instructions very good. However it would be nice to be able to "tighten" the rack in the receiver and eliminate the slop that presently exists like I could with my rack on the old Prius..
131758

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- C11276

by: Larry S.08/06/2014

I havent taken the item out of the box to install on a 2014 Prius V since the car is in the shop for a few days. Will get it installed once I get the car back and write a review and maybe send some photos. I will be using it to put my bicycle hitch on for 2 bikes. I like the way it is designed and the is one of the reasons I purchased it.
144766

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- C11276

by: Mike06/25/2015

Only Issue I had was the packaging of the hitch in the shipping box. Virtually no packing materials to prevent the hitch from busting through the shipping box....which is was upon arrival. Suggestion, wrap some high stretch bubble wrap around the ends of the hitch to help keep the hitch in the box and prevent damage to the hitch.
207158

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- C11276

by: Glenn D.04/20/2015

Receiver is well constructed and looks great on our Prius V. Installation was not too challenging for this above avg. novice, however one problem did arise. When attempting to reinstall tow bar as instructed, I found that the tow bar had to put back on backwards, in order to have bolt holds in receiver and tow bar to line up.
186496

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- C11276

by: Tim E09/16/2014

The trailer hitch fit perfectly on my 2012 Prius Plug-in and installation by myself took less than an hour, start to finish. All the longer bolts needed were included and I was impressed at how well constructed the hitch was and how easy it was to install. I highly recommend their product.
151280

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- C11276

by: Claudia L.12/18/2014

Great product! Ordered this item for my 2012 Prius V. Took it to the shop and paid $50 for installation. Fit perfectly and so easy. It is intended for a bike rack, and though I have not tried to put the bike rack on, I am sure that it will work great.
166017

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- C11276

by: RQ10/24/2012

Great service from eTrrailer - prompt shipping and sturdy packaging. Easy installation - installed hitch without jacking up the vehicle, however did use a bottle jack to bring hitch up agaiinst the screw holes.
58043

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- C11276

by: Chris T.03/24/2014

Perfect fit. I had a muffler shop install, but watched installation. It took less than 15 minutes. Fit exactly as demonstrated in video. Kudos to etrailer for a great product and great information.
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The best hitch for you will depend on what you were wanting to use it for.
If you were planning on simply using the hitch as a mount for a bike rack (due to the capabilities of the Class I hitch, you will need a Class I rated bike rack and will be limited to carrying two bikes), the Draw-Tite Class I receiver, part # 24847 would be your best choice.
If you were planning on towing a small trailer, which Toyota strongly discourages and may have warranty implications, the Hidden Hitch,...view full answer...

The Curt Stabilizing Strap, part # 18050, is not included with their hitches. It attaches to the bike rack then to the vehicle to keep the forces exerted on the bike rack and hitch when hitting bumps from damaging the hitch. On passenger cars this can be attached to the edge of the trunk lid that meets rear windshield or on SUVs, you can attach to the top edge of the hatch.
The use of a strap is necessary for Curt warranty requirements. You can also use bungee cords like # 3044DAT,...view full answer...

The Draw-Tite Hitch, # 24847, and the Hidden Hitch Trailer Hitch, # 60263, are basically the same hitch so they both have the same ground clearance and side profile. Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch are sister companies that use the same design process for their trailer hitches. The top of the receiver tube for both trailer hitches will sit 4-3/4 inches below the frame rails on your 2012 Toyota Prius V.
If you are planning on using the hitch for a bike rack or cargo carrier, then I would recommend...view full answer...

If you check out the picture I attached you can see what your 2012 Toyota Prius V would look like with either the Draw-Tite Hitch # 24847 or the Curt Hitch # C11276 would look like once installed. As you can see both of them hang about the same distance from the bottom of the vehicle and will be the same in terms of visibility.
Both of these hitches will be largely out of plain sight, but will be somewhat visible. Either hitch would work well for you, but Curt recommends that you use...view full answer...

Class 1 receiver hitches use a 3/4 inch ball shank size. I would recommend item # 19256, for a 1-7/8 inch ball for your hitch or the item # 19258, 2 inch ball.
1-1/4 inch to 2 inch Trailer Hitch adapters like the Hitch Adapter 1-1/4 inch to 2 inch Trailer Hitch Receiver, item # HTAD, are not to be used for towing because the use of an adapter significantly reduces the tongue capacity of the trailer hitch and puts excess stress on the hitch if used for towing due to the extended length...view full answer...

When using a hitch adapter, like part # HTAD, to use a 2 inch accessory in a Class I hitch the capacity of the hitch is reduced by 50 percent because of the added leverage from the weight of the bike rack and bikes being extended farther away from the rear of the vehicle.
In your case 107 pounds will exceed 50 percent of the 200 pound capacity of any trailer hitch, like the hitch your referenced, # C11276, available for your 2012 Toyota Prius.
Your best option for carrying 2 bikes...view full answer...

The Curt # C11276 and the Draw-Tite # 24847 Class I hitches share the same weight capacity, and the installation procedure is fairly similar. In actuality, the Curt weighs about 8 lbs more than the Draw-Tite hitch. The Curt hitch is constructed of round tube steel that's a bit larger in diameter than the square tube stock the Draw-Tite model is constructed of, which would account for the weight difference. Since both hitches have been tested and found to have the same weight bearing capacity,...view full answer...

The CURT Trailer Hitch Support Strap, Part # 18050, is a universal strap that should be compatible with a 2012 Toyota Prius when used in conjunction with the CURT Trailer Hitch Receiver, part # C11276. This support strap will provide additional stability and safety for a hitch-mounted bike rack. If you have concerns about the strap putting pressure on the spoiler you can route the strap to the bottom edge of the rear door rather than the top.
I have attached a link to a brief video that...view full answer...

Hidden Hitch trailer hitch # 60263 has a square cross tube and a little bit different design than Curt hitch # C11276 which has a round cross tube. The Hidden Hitch trailer hitch also comes with a ball mount, hitch pin, and clip. The Curt hitch does not.
Both bike rack and hitch manufacturers agree that on a Class I trailer hitch the maximum capacity is 2 bikes. The issue is not how much weight would be on the hitch it is where that weight is placed relative the the hitch receiver. The...view full answer...

The hitch you need for your Toyota Prius depends on the style of Prius you own. I would first recommend checking either with your owners manual or with your dealership to find what the towing and tongue weight capacity is for your vehicle.
For the Prius or Prius Plug-In Hybrid, I would recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch, part # C11276. This is a Class l hitch with a 1-1/4 in receiver. It has a towing capacity of 2000 lbs and a maximum tongue weight capacity of 200 lbs.
The installation...view full answer...

The Curt Class I receiver you mention, part # C11276 is a fit for the current generation Toyota Prius, as well as the Prius V. According to Curt, the installation procedure did not vary from the 2010 to the current model, so the install procedure shown in the videos for the 2012 and 2013 Prius would also apply to your 2010 model.
There is no functional difference between hitches having a round or a square crossbar. Both styles of hitch share the same weight capacities and would install...view full answer...

The Class I trailer hitches have a stop built into them that prevent the accidental use of a Class II accessory. The older versions of the Helium had a longer shank and thus could not fit in a Class I hitch. The new versions will.
A Curt trailer hitch, # C11276, should allow the old version to fit. However, the 971 Helium is a 3 bike carrier but on a Class I trailer hitch, you will be limited to carrying just 2 bikes. The reason is that a Class I trailer hitch cannot handle the stress...view full answer...

Curt does indeed offer a hitch for your 2010 Toyota Prius. The Curt Class I Hitch, part # C11276 is a fit for the 2010 Toyota Prius. I have confirmed this with Curt.
Before installing a hitch, be sure to check your owners manual for any advice or prohibitions regarding installing or using a hitch.
Curt recommends using a stabilizing strap like part # 18050 for non-trailer loads like bike racks or cargo carriers. I have linked you to a demonstration video showing how the strap is used.view full answer...

There is no difference, Curt's part number is 11276. We add a C to that part number as we do for all of our Curt products.
This hitch would be an excellent choice for your 2013 Toyota Prius. I attached an install video for you to check out also.
All non-trailer loads - bike racks, cargo carriers and so forth - should be supported with stabilizing straps. Failure to properly support these loads will void your hitch warranty from Curt. For that you would want part # 18050.view full answer...

In order to use the Yakima RidgeBack, # Y02457, on your 2010 Toyota Prius you will need to use Curt hitch # C11276. It will not work with other Class I trailer hitches. But, for the Curt hitch, when using the hitch for a bike rack or cargo carrier you must use stabilization strap # 18050 per the Curt warranty requirements.
The other option is to use the Draw-Tite hitch # 24847 with a different bike rack, such as the Thule Vertex, # TH9028XT, and not have to worry about the rack fitting...view full answer...

There isn't a 2 inch hitch available for a Toyota Prius. The rear structure of the vehicle isn't strong enough to withstand the forces necessary for the capacity that a 2 inch hitch would provide.
I'd recommend the Draw-Tite Class I hitch, part # 24847. It would be possible to use an adapter like part # HTAD, which would allow you to use a 2 inch bike rack, but doing so would cut the tongue weight capacity (maximum amount of weight that can be safely hung from the hitch) by half, from...view full answer...

There are pros and cons to both the Curt Hitch part # C11276 that you referenced and the Draw Tite Hitch part # 24847. If you are planning on using this hitch for carrying a cargo carrier or a bike rack I would go with the Draw Tite. Curt requires the use of a stabilizer strap like part # 18050 any time you carry a bike rack or a cargo carrier.
Draw Tite does not have that stipulation so I would lean that way. Both of these hitches have the same 200 lbs tongue weight and 2,000 lbs trailer...view full answer...

First, check your vehicle owners manual to make sure it is permissible to use a trailer hitch mount cargo carrier on your 2013 Toyota Prius V. You only need 1 strap, # 18050, to be within the warranty requirements for Curt trailer hitch # C11276. I have included a link to a video showing a typical use of the strap.
If you wanted you could use more than 1 strap. But you will need to use at least 1 for non-trailer loads.view full answer...

If you were to install the Curt Hitch part # C11276 that has been confirmed to fit your 2015 Toyota Prius V the distance from the top of the hitch opening to the ground would be 12 inches. From the bottom of the hitch to the ground it would be right at 10 inches.
Check out the install video I attached for this hitch as well.view full answer...

At this time, the only trailer hitch listed as a fit for the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid is the Curt Class I Trailer Hitch, # C11276. The Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch trailer hitches have not been confirmed to fit your vehicle.
The Curt hitch is very similar to the Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch trailer hitches. The only significant difference is that Curt's warranty requires the use of a stabilization strap, like part # 18050, for all non-trailer loads such as bike racks or cargo carriers.
If...view full answer...

I checked with Curt and the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C11276 that you referenced is a confirmed fit for your 2014 Prius V so it should work very well for you.
I would recommend you check your owners manual for any restrictions on towing with your Prius also.view full answer...

I spoke to my contact at Draw Tite and he said that the Hitch part # 24847 that you referenced could possibly work on the Plug In Hybrid model 2014 Toyota Prii, but since they did not want to encourage anybody trying to tow with that vehicle they do not list this hitch as a fit for you vehicle.
The only recommendation I could make for your vehicle would be the Curt Hitch part # C11276, which would require the use of the stabilizer strap part # 18050.
The Thule Helium racks would be...view full answer...

The Thule Vertex, # TH9028XT, is compatible with Class I trailer hitches like Curt hitch # C11276, for the 2013 Toyota Prius III. With the Curt hitch, Curt recommends using stabilization strap # 18050 to add extra support and take off some of the stress on the trailer hitch.
If you do not want to use a strap then I recommend trailer hitch # 24847. The strap is not required if using this hitch. It is also compatible with the Vertex. I have linked a video showing a typical installation...view full answer...

According to Curt Manufacturing, the fit of their Class I hitch part # C11276 does carry over from the 2014 Prius Plug-In Hybrid to the 2015 model. The hitch will fit your vehicle.
To view an installation video, click the provided link.view full answer...

Trailer hitches that are available for your 2013 Toyota Prius are Class l hitches. These hitches limit the amount of bikes you can carry in a Class l hitch to 2. I do have another option that will work for you.
I recommend a trunk mount bike rack like part # TH9002PRO. This bike carrier can carry 3 bikes and just weighs about 22 lbs. This carrier uses 4 steel cables for securing the carrier to the vehicle instead of the 6 straps that most carriers offer. The weight capacity for this...view full answer...

All of the trailer hitches available for the 2013 Prius are going to be Class I trailer hitches like the Curt, # C11276. A Class I hitch has a 1-1/4 inch by 1-1/4 inch receiver and the Yakima SwingDaddy, # Y02464, is for use with 2 inch by 2 inch trailer hitch receivers so this will not work.
In addition to the difference in receiver size, it is also not recommended to carry more that 2 bikes on a Class I trailer hitch. Carrying more than two bikes increases the weight and the distance...view full answer...

I checked with my technical contact at Draw-Tite regarding the fit of their Class I hitch # 24847 on your 2014 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid. This hitch will not fit your car. I also checked on the Hidden Hitch # 60263 and it too does not fit the Plug-In.
Your option for using your Thule Helium Aero 2 bike rack # TH9042 is the Curt hitch # C11276. This hitch does, as you noted, require you to use a stabilizing strap # 18050 in order to maintain your hitch warranty coverage from Curt. This...view full answer...

It does appear that the trailer hitch for your 2014 Toyota Prius V does sit up as high if not higher than the exhaust pipe as you can see in the video I have linked showing installation. But in the video that is hitch # C11276. It should be the same on the Draw-Tite hitch though, # 24847.
The 2014 Prius V is not designed for towing so if using the hitch for an accessory such as a bike rack or cargo carrier make sure that the accessory is rated for use with a Class I trailer hitch. Also,...view full answer...

I have included for you a link to our main page for all Class I-compatible 2-bike racks; these are available in several styles (hanging or platform) and also with feature such as tilting capability and built-in locks. You can use the filters in the left-hand margin to narrow the product results shown to just those with the features you prefer. The linked articles will help you consider which racks will best serve your needs and the particular bikes you wish to transport.
An excellent...view full answer...

I checked with Curt and the hitch part # C11276 has been confirmed as a fit for your 2015 Toyota Prius V so I would recommend it for you.
I attached an install video for this hitch for you to check out as well.view full answer...

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